Lessons, Wins, and Gratitude

As we step into 2025, I find myself reflecting on a whirlwind year—one that has been both exhilarating and transformative. From exploring uncharted territories in AI animation to connecting with incredible people across the globe, 2024 has truly been a year of milestones and learning.

Championing AI Animation at Global Events

This year, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at SXSW Sydney about "AI: New Era of Animation, Filmmaking, and Moral Compass". Sharing the stage with industry leader Renard T. Jenkins and moderated by Iris Huizinga reminded me of the collective responsibility we have as creators. The session delved into AI’s transformative impact on storytelling while grappling with the ethical considerations that come with such powerful tools.

The energy in the room was palpable, with thought-provoking discussions around balancing creativity with AI-driven efficiency. The biggest takeaway for me? AI isn’t just a tool for automating tasks—it’s a collaborator that can amplify storytelling while requiring us to stay deeply connected to our moral compass.

Equally fulfilling was my engagement with the Producers Guild of America , where I discussed how AI is transforming the animation pipeline, offering creators new tools to tell impactful stories while also addressing the challenges that come with this fast-paced evolution. These moments reinforced the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in building an innovative future.

Attending The World Animation Summit in November was another highlight of the year. This event brought together some of the most talented creatives in the animation industry for four days of keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities. Engaging with industry leaders and peers provided invaluable insights into the future of animation and reinforced the importance of community in driving innovation.

Empowering Others Through the AI Animation Course

2024 also marked the launch of my AI Animation course, and I’m humbled by its success. What started as a side project quickly became a sold-out initiative. Seeing animators, beginners, and creatives from all over the world join the waitlist and engage with the course was beyond my expectations.

Creating this course wasn’t just about teaching—it was about empowering others to explore the possibilities of AI. From storytelling and character design to production and post-production, my goal was to demystify AI and make it accessible. Hearing the success stories from participants who’ve applied these techniques in their own projects has been incredibly fulfilling.

A Humbling Honor from the City of Millbrae

One of the most touching moments of 2024 was being recognized by the City of Millbrae for my contributions to animation, technology, and the local community.

This acknowledgment highlighted the international success of my animation projects, which was showcased at film festivals worldwide. It also celebrated my leadership and innovation at immix Studios , where we’ve been pushing boundaries in AI-driven storytelling.

I’m incredibly grateful to Mayor Anders Fung and the City of Millbrae for this honor. It serves as a powerful reminder that while we strive to make an impact globally, the support and recognition from our local communities mean just as much.

A New Milestone: Joining the Television Academy

One of the proudest moments of 2024 was being accepted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Emerging Media Programming Peer Group. This marks an incredible milestone in my career and reflects my commitment to exploring the intersection of storytelling, technology, and innovation.

Being part of this prestigious organization is a testament to how far AI animation has come and how it is now being recognized as a vital part of the future of media. I’m thrilled to join this forward-thinking community and contribute to the evolution of emerging media.

Key Lessons from 2024

As I reflect on this incredible year, here are a few lessons that have stood out:

1. Collaboration Drives Innovation: Whether it’s with international festivals, industry leaders, or students in my course, collaboration has been at the heart of every success this year.
2. Authenticity Resonates: Staying true to my passion for combining technology and storytelling has been my guiding principle, and it has allowed me to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
3. Community Matters: Whether global or local, the support of the community is invaluable. Recognition from my hometown of Millbrae was a reminder of the importance of staying rooted while dreaming big.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I step into 2025, I am more excited than ever about the potential of AI in storytelling and animation. There’s so much more to explore, and I look forward to building on this year’s momentum. Whether it’s creating films, teaching, or speaking, my mission remains clear: to push the boundaries of what’s possible and inspire others to do the same with AI.

To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you. Here’s to even greater creativity and innovation in the New Year!

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